Greener Options from West Elm

During a quick trip to Portland this weekend, I visited my first West Elm store. I've known about their selection of organic bedding, but I was surprised by how many eco-friendly options the store had to offer. Curious about the company's environmental priorities, I decided to do a bit more research. (Landis had the same thought as I did when considering West Elm's collaboration with Sesame Letterpress.)

West Elm's environmental commitment is multi-faceted and includes taking steps to improve not just their products, but their retail stores and catalogs too. Within their product line, the company utilizes organic cotton, rapidly renewable resources (like jute or hemp) and recycled materials. West Elm also works with organizations like Aid to Artisans, Forest Stewardship Council and Global Forest and Trade Network to ensure more responsible material procurement and product manufacturing. While the company may not be classified as an eco-business just yet, I was impressed by the different sustainable strategies that are being implemented and that they are open about the progress they've made while accepting that there is still more to be done.

To read more about West Elm's environmental commitment or browse their green products, click here.